PIA Press ReleaseMonday, January 02, 2012

New Year celebration in Caraga Region generally peaceful, PNP says

by PSupt. Martin M. Gamba

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The New Year celebration in Caraga Region is generally peaceful as Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has recorded only two minor incidents, resulting to injuries to victims of firecrackers during the New Year’s eve celebration in the region.

Joseph Dela Cerna, 46 years old from Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and a 15 year-old female from Tandag City, Surigao del Sur incurred minor injuries on the right hand and on the right finger, respectively due to firecrackers. They were discharged from the hospital right after undergoing medical treatment. Meanwhile, the Office recorded zero incidents on stray bullet and indiscriminate firing.

PNP-Caraga Regional Director PCSupt Reynaldo Rafal said this could be attributed to the massive information drive and campaign initiated by the different government agencies on the need to regulate or avoid the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

CSupt Rafal added that the creation of ordinances regarding Firecrackers Display Area and the Firecrackers Zone by Local Government Units also contributed to the desired end result. “In fact, police authorities, in its enforcement effort, confiscated assorted firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in violation of Republic Act 7183 and specific local law (SP Resolution 769-99) amounting to P9,500,” Rafal said.

Also, playing an important role in the decrease of incidents involving indiscriminate firing is the simultaneous sealing and marking of firearm muzzles of PNP personnel of PRO 13 on December 27, 2011, personally supervised by PCSupt Rafal, to ensure that no member will attempt to use his or her issued firearm as part of merry-making during New Year revelry.

On this note, Gen. Rafal is thankful to all those who did their part in making Caraga peaceful during the celebration of New Year, especially the Local Government Units (LGU), the Religious Sectors, the Business Sectors, the Non-Government Organizations, the Community and the Tri-Media.

He said their collective and individual efforts immensely contributed to lessen the incidents and injuries, as compared in 2011 New Year celebration.

Moreover, Dir. Rafal is commending the entire police force in the region for a job well done, putting aside personal convenience and comfort in exchange for a peaceful, safe and injury-free New Year celebration. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)